This year, the market for gifts and products for Eid (the Muslim festival concluding the month of Ramadan) suffered from the Special Registration program, tightened immigration laws and random arrests. Although Jackson Heights was bustling with commercial activities on the eve of Eid, sales did not meet expectations and were significantly lower than last year. The downturn has provoked widespread insecurity among shop owners and salespeople.

During our visit to different shops in the area, none of the stores were crowded with customers; business carried on in a lackluster way. In contrast, last year the buying spree drew more than the usual number of shoppers and salespeople felt pressured to satisfy customers. This shift prompted discussion in similar neighborhoods, where people asked: Why was this year’s market so stagnant prior to the most important festival of the Muslim community?

Businessmen and community members maintain that stringent measures in immigration policy, the Special Registration program and the increased cost of living in New York are responsible for the negative impact on businesses dependent on the immigrant community. Another factor is the repatriation of thousands of immigrants to their native countries. They believe the situation may worsen, if authorities do not employ a more lenient approach.

A businessman, on condition of anonymity, said that the United States is the land of immigrants and that they are the driving force of the U.S. economy. The sooner U.S. policymakers understand this, the sooner there will be wellbeing for all.

Mahbub Ahmed Chowdhury, owner of East West Shari Sarani told Bangla Patrika, that he has never such bad business in Jackson Heights in 12 years of business. “This year, business is down 50 percent from last year. The main reasons are the tightening of immigration laws, registration and the economic recession due to war and unemployment. Also the price of everything—including the metrocard, gas and tolls—have increased greatly, but people’s salaries have not increased,” he observed.

Chowdhury also said that Bangladeshi consumers should patronize the businesses of their own countrymen. “In my shop, one can get everything one needs and the price is also less than other shops. But, it is true that our community members do not buy that much from our own businesses,” he said.

Rahman Farid of the Meghna Shopping Center said that this year only familiar faces came to the shops. “We did some advertising, but we did not see any new faces. This is a matter of concern. In the past, we would see many new faces in the sea of buyers.” He also believes that immigration rules and the registration are to blame.

Mahmud Hasan, owner of Nipuna Fashion said, “We do a business that is dependent on the immigrant community. Now, if they are attacked by fear, our businesses are bound to be affected. We are victims of that. When fear and concern about life emerges in the minds of the people, then there is no hope. That is the reason for the business recession in Jackson Heights.”

Shiv Das, president of Jackson Heights Merchants Association (JHMA), said that thousands of people have left America due to the registration and crackdowns on immigrants. “Arresting immigrants has become a regular phenomenon. Homeland Security has curtailed human rights and immigrants are the victims. Under these circumstances, how are our businesses supposed to succeed when they were not even in good shape to begin with?” questioned Mr. Das.

If this situation doesn’t change, then the growing trend for business in Jackson Heights will drop. However, Ramesh Navani, former president of JHMA, stated that six months ago the negative impact was greater than at present. “Now it seems that people are regaining their confidence. Customers are coming to the shop, they are enjoying shopping. It can't be said whether the increase is because of Eid, but it may be said that the stringent measures in immigration policy have affected us all,” said Navani. “Jackson Heights is the central shopping area for South Asian immigrants residing in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. As a result, the situation in Jackson Heights can be considered a reflection of any incidents occurring in the larger immigrant community.”

But Bangladeshi immigrant Sahila doesn’t agree that the situation is improving. Sahila said that she didn’t do any Eid shopping this year. “I am affected by the uncertainty. My two brothers left the country to avoid registration. Now, nothing looks good. Shop for what? Joy for what?”